India tops 2025 global job market outlook: ManpowerGroup
BENGALURU, INDIA — India has emerged as the global leader in employment outlook for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the global average by 15 points, according to a ManpowerGroup report.
The survey, which included over 3,000 employers, highlights strong hiring plans across the country.
IT sector drives hiring surge in India
The information technology (IT) sector showed the strongest hiring outlook at 50%, up 4% from the previous quarter and 6% year-on-year. Investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and public funding are driving this growth.
“Larger organizations are driving this momentum, signaling sustained opportunities for talent across the country,” said Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director of ManpowerGroup India and Middle East.
Regional variations in hiring trends
Regionally, hiring intentions exhibit diverse trends. The North of India showed a slight decline in hiring outlook at 39%, down by 2 percentage points from the previous quarter.
In contrast, the East and South regions have experienced increases, with outlooks rising by 11 and 3 percentage points to reach 41% and 38%, respectively.
Sectoral shifts beyond IT
While the IT sector remains robust, other industries are experiencing fluctuations.
The financials and real estate sector has seen a decline of 3 percentage points to a 44% hiring outlook. Similarly, the consumer goods and services sector has dropped by 2 percentage points.
Employers’ hiring plans for Q1 2025
Overall, the survey revealed that 53% of employers plan to increase their staffing levels in the upcoming quarter. However, 13% anticipate reducing their workforce, while 31% expect no change.
This optimistic employment forecast positions India as a beacon of job growth at the start of the new year, with the IT sector leading the charge amidst evolving economic conditions.
